Because Money is Always in Fashion: Clever DIY Wedding Ideas
Having a DIY wedding is one of the top ways to save a lot of your wallet cheese, and I’m not talking about the dairy kind that spoils… not that you’d ever have or put actual cheese in your wallet… errrr… whatever. Haha!
Because do-it-yourself projects can be just as beautiful as they are personal and can cost up to a fraction of the price, they are just as – if not more so – incredible as their more expensive counterparts. By creating elements of your wedding together with your fiancé, friends and family, not only will you save moolah but you’ll also create treasured memories that’ll you’ll hold onto forever. And THAT, my dear friends, is priceless :)
DIY Save the Date Magnets
Start saving money right away by purchasing Save-the-Date magnets and designing them yourself! In the past, you needed to place a custom order at a specialty printer in order to print Save-the-Date magnets or announcements. Now, you can print them yourself on your home computer. Complete kits for DIY save the date wedding magnets allow you to personalize the date, colors and images on professional looking magnets.
DIY Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations can easily be created on your own without sacrificing quality. Many of today’s wedding invitation kits feature the same quality paper you’d find on high end invites and contain some of the same unique embellishments and embossing. With easy to use templates also readily available online and included response cards and envelopes, you’ll easily be able to construct flawless, professional looking invitations.
Add an even more personal touch by having a custom monogram stamp created so you can make your own envelope seals, note cards or thank you notes.
Tip: If you don’t have a quality printer at home, you can design your wedding stationary at home and then have them printed at a copy shop for (dependent upon the design and paper) for a few cents a print.
DIY Favors
Because the potential for fantastical favors is darn near limitless, there’s about a schmillion and one ways brides and grooms can get wedding guest gift ready without breaking the bank! Wedding favors are easy to make yourself because they are a gift from the heart. If you choose a ready-made wedding favor, you can personalize it to your wedding theme or even to each individual guest. By adding ribbon, a printed label or card, you can increase the perceived value of your wedding favors without burning a hole in your bank account.
DIY Wedding Programs
Wedding programs can represent another large chunk of cash out of your wedding budget. But if you print your own, you can pocket the tremendous savings. DIY wedding program kits include quality cardstock or cover stock papers, a template and often times, embellishments such as ribbons, crystals or embossing.
Printed on your home computer (or at a quick print shop), they can be personalized and designed to reflect your style and wording…
And that’s just the tip of the wedded bliss iceberg, kids! There are even more ways to incorporate do-it-yourself details into every aspect of your big day that can only be limited by your imagination!
DIY weddings are an ideal way to blend your modern day personality into time honored wedding traditions and create a more cost effective approach to a billion dollar industry. Only you and your fiancé will know the corners you cut. And you can enjoy spending the money saved on a spectacular honeymoon!
Add comment August 11, 2010
You’ll be Sorry in the Morning: Top 5 Most Ridiculous Wedding Dress Trends
I’m all for making a statement with your fashion, and Lord KNOWS I’m even more for a bride having it her way on her day.
However – and this is a very big HOWEVER – let us not forget the whole reason behind the day in the first place. The love of our men should never, and I repeat never, be drowned out by the love of our fashion. Of course, I’m using the term fashion here very loosely, and if you’re wondering why… you needn’t look further than the first photo.
Please Don’t #1: Have your Cake Dress and Eat it Too??
I know time’s are tight, ladies. Hello?!?! I’ve done more budget crunching than Jillian Michaels has done belly crunching; so, believe me when I say I understand that you want to cut corners and “trim the fat” from your wedding expenses. And while I fully support getting use out of multi-tasking details, I do not suggest you let one of those details be your dress. I mean, honestly, who wants a dress that’s known for molding?
Designed by Ukrainian pastry chef, Valentyn Shtefano, this 20 pound wedding dress was created in two months from 1,500 cream puffs for his beautiful bride. And who said chivalry was dead? (photo courtesy of msnbc.msn.com)
Talk about a dress with movement!! Ohhh wait, I mean no movement! Designed by Lukka Sigurdardottir, this wedding dress treat doubles as dessert! (photo courtesy of lostateminor.com)
Please Don’t #2: Don’t Let it Blow Up in Your Face!
I can appreciate art. In fact, I’m very fond it, but there is a certain level of practicality every bride needs to be aware of on her wedding day. You can have a dress that is high fashion and over-the-top artsy, but having a helium filled, easily-popped-so-you-might-end-up-naked wedding dress definitely does not cover that level of practicality. Not to mention, the sweat level for plastic-wear is outrageous. Not flattering.
Barnum & Bailey got nothin' on these looks! These wedding gowns, made strictly from balloon animal's finest, will surely leave your guests open-jawed... and not in a good way. (photos courtesy of inventorspot.com and funkytrend.com)
Please Don’t #3: Too much Bride, not (nearly!) enough Dress
For the first time in my life, I was rendered speechless. Literally, I have no words… just an embarrassed, red face… I don’t even know these brides! Come on now, girls, we should all be proud of our bodies, but is your wedding day inside a church in front of your grandma and the good Lord really the place you want to show it off? I think not.
Oh my. At least the one on the right has the figure for a bikini wedding dress... Siiiiighhhhh. (photos courtesy of hitched.co.uk and brides.com)
i.have.no.words. (photo courtesy of wedinator.com)
Please Don’t #4: Too much Dress, not (nearly!) enough Bride
Believe me. I get the whole wanna-look-like-Cinderella, fairy tale princess bride complex. My best friend and most favorite girl in the world, Breanna Marie, might as well have written the book on this theory. I’m already prepared for when she gets hitched, because I know she’ll be the belle of the ball and have me in the pinkest, pretty-pretty princess bridesmaid’s dress money can buy. Buuuuuuuuuut, there’s a big difference between being a princess and being a cream puff (not the pastry this time.) So, ladies please, wear the dress… don’t let the dress wear you!
With a train like that, this is more than likely the only place they could do pictures... in a field... a very, VERY large field. (photo courtesy of diamondvues.com)
The only caption needed: Whyyyyyy? (photos courtesy of wedinator.com and tackyweddings.com)
Please Don’t #5: Loud and Ornate… not up for Debate
Your wedding day is about you; so, please please please don’t lose yourself in over-the-top accessories. Brides who decorate themselves too drastically don’t look trendy; they look, well, in a word, ridiculous. And nobody wants to look back in 5 years – heck, even 5 days – down the road and go, “Ugh, what was I thinking?”
Sugar Kei Sweet's design (left) and Christian Lacroix may be brilliant in theory, but they are disastrous in depiction. (photos courtesy of weddinginspirasi.com and larkinandcatcher.com)
I'm sorry, Celine. Like you. Love your voice. HATE the headpiece. (photo courtesy of ivilliage.com)
3 comments August 9, 2010
Wedding Trend Alert: Bride and Groom Sittin’ in a Tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G!
photos courtesy of claytonaustinlovestories.com
For brides that like to troll the blogosphere, you’ve probably noticed a growing wedding ceremony trend. From hilly plains and dreamy woods to restful country sides and backyard barbeques, couples are saying “I do” under the grandest, most breathtaking trees ever. And it’s no wonder why; not only do these majestic timbers represent life, strength and new beginnings, they also set a magnificent stage for outdoor weddings to shine.
Tree ceremonies are also an incredibly cheap solution for wedding day settings, as well as Mother Nature approved selections! Once a couple has found their perfect, nuptial knockin’ tree, it’s time for them to start planning the ceremony. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Pick a Tree, Any Tree. Well, not any tree. Many couples luck out and discover leaning trees or trees with an amazing shapes and size, but the most important thing is finding the perfect size and shape for you. Selecting a massive tree could be just the ticket to leave your guests in open-mouthed marvel; while selecting smaller, spring blooming trees leaves potential for bright-eyed and bushy tailed friends and family. Be sure to consider the time of day you will be getting hitched, and where the sun will be shining in relation to you and your guests. Keeping the theme of your wedding in mind, the ceremony tree could be loved up with décor. Consider these:
- Nail vintage picture frames to the trunk
- Hang colorful pomanders or lanterns from the branches
- Weave streamers in and out of the limbs
- Dangle chandeliers
- String thread around the trunk and clothespin photos to it
- (Property rules permitted, of course) Carve your initials inside a heart for an extra special touch
- I mean really… the potential is limitless!
Aisle Style. Keeping in line with the outdoor theme, most brides tend to deck the aisle out with very rustic and natural details. For the aisle floor itself, line the sides or completely cover with a thick bed of flower petals. This is sure to establish a stunning walkway for the bridal party, as well as a diva-riffic backdrop for photos! For accents, many couples have gotten really creative and dotted the aisle with lanterns, flower pots, hanging bouquets and tree stumps to really emphasize the natural beauty and nostalgic nature of the venue.
Programs! Get Your Programs! To avoid the program graveyard that inevitably happens at the end of any ceremony, make your programs useful. Hand out the day’s agenda on seeded, plantable paper. This will seamlessly complement the tree theme of your ceremony and provide a fabulous way for guests to go green. Another sure-fire way to please guests is to double up your programs as fans, too. This is a marvelous DIY project, and your over-heated guests will thank you. (Check out our DIY program fan ideas at Marilyn’s Keepsakes.)
Beyond tree themes and décor, these poetic timbers also signify a number of wonderful things such as life, strength, comfort, and good fortune that would make a perfect foundation for your wedding vows. So, go ahead… go green… and get down with your tree huggin’ self!
Add comment August 6, 2010
Short Engagement Success: Because Slow ‘n’ Steady Doesn’t Always Win the Race
MK's answer to organized style!
Which is exactly what my dear friend and most recently engaged bride-to-be, Kimmi, told me oh so many years ago during our four year stint at IU Bloomington (Hoo-Hoo-Hoo-Hoosiers!). While I had a tendency to move at a glacial pace when crossing anything ice-covered, Kimmi would always oh-so-endearingly remind me that the Tortoise VS the Hare was a fairytale… So, it’s fitting she’s using this same approach for planning her wedding day :)
Freshly engaged just two weeks ago, Kimmi’s Prince Charming popped the question during her last visit to South China, where he’s been working for the past year. Not even 7,000 miles or 20 hour plane rides could keep these two love birds from blossoming their love into eternity, and this pretty little lady has to admit, it makes my marriage lovin’ heart <sigh> to see the happiness radiating off her soon-to-be newlywed glow.
Or should I say… VERY-soon-to be?
In the era where the average bride takes anywhere from 12-18 months to plan her big day, Ms. Kimmi has taken what some brides consider the more practical route and opted for a shorter engagement. Her and Billiam (Kimmi’s nickname for her beau, as she already has a Liam and William in her life – haha!) are set to get married this December 18, and they couldn’t be more excited!
As I perused my BFF, Google, for fitting advice for brides walking a little more briskly down the aisle, I came across some super finds on a weddingbee.com forum where one bride sounded off on her short engagement. Here’s some of the more thought- provoking, encouraging remarks (as well as peanut gallery commentary from yours truly):
Cler writes: We’re getting married end of May and only have 6 months to plan. It’s our 5th month and we’re not that stressed. My sister just got married last November, and it took her less than 3 months to plan with our help. I actually like short engagement because you’re able to keep it simple. I know some folks who have long engagements and with so many ideas coming in, they add it to their wedding. Too much stress I think.
Agreed. Sometimes “more” isn’t better… it’s just more. More time. More stress. More opportunities to change / update / rotate / re-rotate / flip / alter / add / etc. All the little extras attached on to the wedding bill can really add up. And in this day in age, where saving is sexy, it’s important to remain decisive. And speaking of decisive…
RecessionistaBride writes: Congratulations on your engagement! You can definitely get it done, you just need to make decisive choices! :) I wish I had a short engagement! By the time we marry we’ll have been engaged 1.5 years– waaaaay too long. I think 6 months is just enough time to plan a perfect wedding!
Ms. Purple writes: I absolutely agree with everyone that it’s all definitely doable. We were engaged Dec. 09 and we’ll be married May 2010. The one thing that I’ve followed (which my fiancée taught me) was not to boggle yourself with too many choices. We only saw three venues, I only tried on maybe 12 dresses, etc. I find the more choices you give yourself the harder it is to make a decision. Also be open minded and don’t set your heart on one thing! and remember to have fun! :-)
Agreed. Six months is more than enough time to plan a wedding, especially if you don’t have the incessant – and let’s face it, annoying – need to SEE and TRY EVERYTHING! No one can; so, why bother to set yourself up for failure? At the end of the day, you’ll still be married, and that’s what’s most important!
Cablegirl writes: Our engagement will be 7 months and I have found my dress, picked the venue, found a DJ, photographer and I still have 5 months to go. Just yesterday I was asking myself why do people need a year + to plan a wedding. I must be missing something. So far so good.
Agreed. The Mister and I were engaged just under a year, and I found that MORE than enough time to get everything done. Often times, I would say to my mom, “I mean I get planning a wedding is a big deal, but honestly… a few calls here… a check in there… and TA-DA! The wedding’s ready!”
So, while every bride may be different, at the end of the day, each one deserves the best! No matter what you’re timeline may be, just remember to stay calm and stress free! Trust a girl who’s gone through it… the journey is much more enjoyable, if you allow yourself to enjoy it!
And congrats again, Kimmi! Can’t even wait for the big day… you’ll make a beautiful bride and an even more beautiful wife! Here’s to you, your upcoming nuptials, the wonderful man who won you over and many, MANY years of love, laughter and happiness!
Kimmi and I celebrating at our most recent girlfriend gathering!
4 comments August 4, 2010
Marriage: A License to Love
photo courtesy of swparkerphotography.com
Regardless of what kind – big and extravagant or small and intimate – of wedding you’re planning, there are certain things that put every bride on the same playing field. One of those things is obtaining a marriage license.
So, lucky for all brides that obtaining a marriage license is fairly easy schmeasy! While rules might vary from state to state, it’s important to remember that every state requires you to have one in order to say “I do.” Okay, so you can say the words “I do” without having a marriage license, but you can’t say the vow “I do” and make it offish without it. You get the point. And yet, I digress…
The application for a marriage license should be submitted in the county of residence of either the bride or the groom; so, your first step is to call your County Clerk’s Office or Courthouse. For those of you who are uncertain as to where this is or how you can contact them, you can find their information simply by surfin’ the Web or doing it old school by flippin’ through the yellow pages or phone book.
You’ll need to speak to a representative from the appropriate department to help you determine what information you will need to obtain your marriage license. Trust a girl who knows. You will reduce stress and heartache by taking the time to prepare, especially with every state having unique rules and restrictions.
Some states require a certificate of health, verification of vaccinations, birth certificate, drivers license, social security card and /or a blood test. While most states have marriage certificates that are valid for a period of 30-60 days, there are some states where it’s only valid for 10-20 days. Hence, why it’s soooo important to contact your state’s County Clerk’s Office or Courthouse to ensure no one’s time is wasted.
And because most states require a waiting period before a license can be obtained, do yourself a favor and don’t wait until the last minute! Good luck, and cheers to many years of happiness!
Add comment July 30, 2010
Wedding Trend Alert: Wish Lanterns Take Flight for Newlyweds
photo courtesy of Allen Hsu via flickr.com
I wish (pun intended) I could tell you where, when, why or even how I first came across this trend, but honestly, I have no idea. Haha! I just remember seeing something about wedding wish lanterns once upon a time, which obviously sparked and captivated my attention long enough to prevent me from letting it go.
“Letting go,” however, is exactly what these bad boys are about, and after doing a version of wish lanterns at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, a fundraiser benefitting cancer research earlier this year, I can honestly admit from firsthand experience how awesome they can be!
Originating in Asia, sky or wish lanterns have been used for centuries during celebrations as a symbolic means to release worries, stress and problems back into the atmosphere. Because of their traditional and historic appeal, not to mention their undeniably meaningful value, it’s no wonder this Asian sensation made its way into the wedding world.
Constructed of 100% biodegradable materials, not only are these mini hot air balloons absolutely beautiful to watch, but they are also earth friendly and Mother Nature approved! *Hooty Hoot* for going green!
The lanterns will be in the air for approximately 12 minutes and reach up to a mile! Brides and grooms can choose to release one alone, or (depending on the budget, of course) include their entire bridal party or guest list in the release of these luminary wish lanterns. For a better idea, check out this beautiful video from WishLanternUSA (I love the music!) or for more information or to purchase wish lanterns, visit wishlantern.com:
5 comments July 28, 2010
Looking for the Perfect Rehearsal Dress to Impress?
Well then, look no further than the latest obsession to invade my couture taste pallet: ModCloth.com! (cont’d below)
photo courtesy of ModCloth.com
With retro mod and vintage glam being at the top of everyone’s fashion list these days, ModCloth makes it easier than ever to find your perfectly sleek, impeccably chic rehearsal or wedding guest dress!
They have every neckline from square cut and sleeves to sweetheart and strapless. There are prints for maxis and plaids for tea lengths. In fact, everything is mixed and matched beautifully throughout their entire line, which also includes all the retro-riffic accessories your heart could possibly desire!
Whether you’re into to frilly ruffles in flowing chiffon or dramatic drapes in shimmery satin, this one stop shop is like Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket for grown up, girly girls! Even the dress names are a delight! Hello?!?! How can you resist “Whether you Lilac It or Not” or “Thelma and Blue-ise?” Too cute, right?
And, with their price points ranging from Under $50 to Over $500 – with most locating themselves under the $100 radar, there is surely something in the mix for all pocket books to indulge in.
The hardest part will be narrowing down your selection. Trust me. I had stuff in (and out) of my shopping cart for weeks before settling on one. Here are some of my faves ModCloth.com has to offer:
(from top left to bottom right: Delicate Flower Dress ($72.99), Beachland Ballroom Dress ($124.99), A Little Bit Indie Rock Dress ($69.99), Mystifying Maven Dress ($79.99), Whether You Lilac It or Not Dress ($99.99), Two Tickets to Paradise Dress ($64.99), Silver and Bold Dress ($107.99), The Best Time Dress ($89.99), Scene of the Crimson Dress ($77.99))
2 comments July 26, 2010
You Got to Ask Yourself One Question… Do I Feel Lucky?
Well, do ya punk?
Haha! Dirty Harry anyone? Come on now, that was Clint Eastwood at his foxiest :)
Anyhoot, that was the quote that immediately came to my head when I read what one bride and her groom gave out as their wedding favors to all their guests. “What?” you might ask???
Lottery tickets, of course!! At $1 a pop, these gamble lovin’ gurus let their guests go home with scratch off’s (and mayhaps a little extra mad money) from their Vegas themed celebration. Noted in the program, the bride said the favors were symbolic of the “luck” they feel every day having their family in friends in their lives. Awww!
She also noted that if any were big winners, the hubs and she would happily split the winnings 50/50 or simply take the whole thing for themselves… and as long as that was intended as a joke, I can get behind the fun and uniqueness of this favor. If not, I just might have to say it… tacky :)
My question to all of you: are lottery ticket favors something you’d gamble on?
1 comment July 23, 2010
Catching a Glimpse: Should You See Each Other before the Ceremony?
photos courtesy of elimurray.com
Traditionally speaking, it’s considered “bad luck” for a bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony. This type of old-fashioned thinking stems from an even more ancient tradition when the groom was not allowed to see his bride AT ALL before the big day. Not ever. Not once. Not even a glimpse. Nada.
While I’m happy to report that prearranged marriages and hide ’n’ go seek brides - for the most part – have been eradicated in most cultures, there are still several people who like to hold the base of this tradition true. Often times, couples will choose to not see each other beforehand because they feel it adds to the excitement and anticipation of their wedding day. (Agree.)
Others, however, have poo-poo’ed conventional thinking for a more modern day train of thought and choose to have a moment before the ceremony all to themselves. This is a time just for them to really take each other in, and better yet, a time for a photographer to capture some beautifully candid shots. (I mean, just get a load of this groom!) Couples can have a moment of privacy to talk, hug, give a little smooch or simply calm each other’s nerves. (Also, agree.)
For brides and grooms who see each other pre-ceremony, it can also help take care of some of the formal wedding photography of the bridal party, in order to allot more time after for everything else. Woot, woot! But regardless of what you choose, just know that there is no right or wrong choice… merely Choice 1 and Choice 2, and it’s up to you to decide which one fits you and yours best! Good luck, and cheers to many years of happiness :)
photos courtesy of elimurray.com
Add comment July 21, 2010
